4,114M
National Park
Deosai National Park
"Land of Giants" — one of the world's highest plateaus, alive with wildflowers, Himalayan brown bears, and open sky in every direction.
35°17'N, 75°38'E · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Experience Skardu — Gateway to the Mighty Karakorams
Explore emerald lakes, cold deserts, and ancient forts in Skardu, Baltistan.
2,228mSkardu Valley
4,114mDeosai Plateau
8,611mK2 Summit
Where to go
Top Tour Places in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan — Six landscapes, one valley
From the wildflower plains of Deosai to the sand dunes of Sarfaranga — each site tagged with altitude and terrain, so you know exactly what you're stepping into.
4,114M
2,500M
Lakes
Shangrila & Upper Kachura Lake
A heart-shaped lake framed by pine and rock, with still crystal waters made for slow boat rides and golden-hour photographs.
2,226M
Cold Desert
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
High-altitude sand dunes ringed by snow peaks — one of the highest cold deserts on Earth, best explored by open-top jeep safari.
2,320M
Heritage
Shigar Fort & Valley
A 400-year-old Balti fort turned heritage hotel, built in stone and apricot-wood, at the mouth of a valley thick with orchards.
2,438M
Heritage
Khaplu Palace & Chaqchan Mosque
The former royal residence of Khaplu, steps from the centuries-old Chaqchan Mosque — Tibetan, Persian and Kashmiri woodwork in one frame.
5,150M
Trekking
K2 Base Camp Trek Gateway
The starting point for the classic route to Concordia and Baltoro Glacier — expedition logistics staged from Skardu's Askole road.
Plan your trip
Featured Tour Packages — Skardu & Gilgit-Baltistan Trip Prices in PKR
Standard
5 Days · 4 Nights
Skardu Explorer
Shangrila, Upper Kachura, Katpana cold desert & Shigar Fort — the essential first-timer's loop, easy pace, comfortable stays.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Luxury · Most Booked
7 Days · 6 Nights
Complete Baltistan Experience
Deosai Plateau, Khaplu Palace & Manthoka Waterfall, layered onto the classic route — heritage stays and a private jeep throughout.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Expedition
12 Days · 11 Nights
K2 Base Camp Trek
Full guided trek to Concordia via Baltoro Glacier, with local high-altitude staff, porters and all permits arranged.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Day Trip
1 Day
Sarfaranga Dune Safari
A half-day 4x4 run across the cold desert dunes with a sunset stop at the Indus confluence.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Couples
4 Days · 3 Nights
Shangrila Honeymoon Retreat
Lakeview cottage stays, a private boat ride, and a slow pace built for two.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Moderate
3 Days · 2 Nights
Deosai Plateau Trek
Camp under open sky on the plateau, with a wildlife-spotting hike toward Sheosar Lake.
Price on RequestQuoted in PKR
Sample route
The 7-Day Route, Day by Day — Sample Skardu Travel Itinerary
D1
Arrival · 2,228m
Skardu City
Land at Skardu Airport, settle in, evening walk along the Indus riverfront.
D2
Lakes · 2,500m
Shangrila & Upper Kachura
Boat ride on Shangrila, short hike to Upper Kachura's crystal water.
D3
Plateau · 4,114m
Deosai National Park
Full day on the plateau — Sheosar Lake, wildflowers, bear-spotting drive.
D4
Heritage · 2,320m
Shigar Fort & Valley
Explore the 400-year-old fort-hotel and Shigar's apricot orchards.
D5
Royal route · 2,438m
Khaplu Palace
Drive to Khaplu, tour the palace and Chaqchan Mosque, overnight riverside.
D6
Waterfall · 2,900m
Manthoka Waterfall
Detour into the Kharmang valley for the terraced Manthoka falls.
D7
Departure · 2,228m
Kharpocho Fort & Flight Out
Morning visit to Kharpocho Fort overlooking Skardu, transfer to airport.
In frame
Gallery — Photos of Skardu, Deosai, Shangrila & Gilgit-Baltistan
Before you go
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Skardu
May to October is the ideal window. Roads to Deosai and the high valleys are open, skies are generally clear, and all seasonal guesthouses are running. July–August is peak season and books out fastest.
Yes — PIA flights from Islamabad are weather-contingent and can be delayed or cancelled on short notice. We recommend building a buffer day into your schedule, or the 20–24 hour Karakoram Highway drive as a backup.
Yes, for Deosai National Park and most remote valleys. Unpaved, high-altitude tracks require a proper 4x4 with an experienced local driver — all our packages include this as standard.
Ready to see Baltistan for yourself?
Tell us your dates and we'll put together a route — from a weekend at the lakes to the full trek to Concordia.